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FEBRUARY 2015 - Nic & Wes Builders Pte Ltd Newsletter (Issue 57)

FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 57

PROJECT SHOWCASE: BREAKING THE MOULDBY NICOLE KOW

It has become somewhat of a preconceived notion that public housing has a standard look to it. The idea of a four of five-room HDB located on opposite ends of the island to look similar in many aspects. The perception that HDB flats serve the homeowner as a practical and functional living space (which is true) has however in many a sense hindered its design potential.

From the pre-Nic & Wes years when founders Brian and Jude Kow had moved into their very first matrimonial flat, they envisioned something that many didn’t – working within the potential of a space. Weaving functionality with design led them to enjoy the nest they called home before selling it at a premium price at that time. This same analogy would take them to throughout their lives as homeowners before transitioning into the business of creating Lifestyle Homes.

Throughout the last decade of Nic & Wes, the business has focused solely on private residential homes. An opportunity and creative curiosity however led our makeover sector Nic & Wes Creative Living to come full circle into breaking the boundaries of the typical HDB flat layout and maximizing the design potential within the box. This issue we reveal the finished product.

Located within the heartlands of Bedok with close proximity to amenities, this 5-room flat unit was looking for a revamp from its rather original setting. Upon entering, traces of its original form are no longer in sight. Newly painted white washed walls become the new canvas of this abode. Walls that once specifically designated the areas were torn down and relocated to reveal a more open and inviting space. Upon a quick 360 degree observation of the now eclectic lux space, one forgets that this is indeed a HDB unit.

The once closed up kitchen is now converted into an entertainment open concept with breakfast counter laminated in capsicum red complete with black granite counter top for that burst of colour. Maximising the kitchen layout, cabinets pave the walls in unison keeping the area neat at all times.

The disguise of the cabinets also reveals a hidden bathroom within the kitchen. Bold stripes act as a feature wall for the shower whilst the surrounding walls are partly wrapped with faux marble homogeneous tiles for a little lux appeal. The sink counter mimics the breakfast counter at the kitchen to connect the design together.

Similar to the red in the kitchen, raven black painted walls with a pair of accompanying leaning mirrors designate the nearby nook for its dining space. The cozy space accommodates an expandable six to eight-seater dining table easily catering guests during parties.

To the other end, the living room basks in the iridescent glow of the sun’s rays that shine through the windows paved throughout a single width of wall. Opening up the windows, the home in constantly visited by beautiful breeze that cools the space naturally. An important aspect of weaving functionality with design comes from concealing as much of the wire casing to reveal clean walls.

Journeying past the common areas, bedrooms are cozily situated next to each other. The first bedroom boldly takes on Peranakan hues of greens and turquoise as the main palette with Oriental hints in various colours in the accessories. The second room feminine to a tee it draped entirely in pastel pink.

Before stepping into the master bedroom a sitting area greets passersby for a more intimate setting. Similarly to the living area, windows of light and air ventilate the back half of the unit.

Sublime to say the least, the master bedroom truly steps out of the norm. Expanding the existing space, a wall cordoning off the dining was built specially to accommodate a compact walk-in wardrobe space. In addition, the sink was relocated just outside of the bathroom fusing with the wardrobe space. Stepping further in, the grey bedroom reveals a lux Parisian boutique hotel setting. The grey palette softens the monochromatic scheme as a beautiful alternative to black.

A lot of the times creativity manifests by thinking outside of the box but sometimes working around the confinements of the box can also create something uniquely out of the norm.

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